Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have renewed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring they receive equal opportunities in all spheres of life.
In their messages issued on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, being observed today, both leaders appealed to citizens, institutions, civil society and international partners to stand with persons with disabilities and treat their identity with dignity and respect.
President Zardari emphasized that Pakistan remains firmly dedicated to upholding the rights, honour and full participation of persons with disabilities in national affairs.
He urged all segments of society—government bodies, private organizations and communities—to extend support and recognition to persons with disabilities.
The president noted that their contribution in education, entrepreneurship, public service and overall national progress is crucial for shaping Pakistan’s future.
He highlighted that the federal and provincial governments are steadily working to expand accessibility and improve education, healthcare, mobility and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
President Zardari pointed to measures such as the introduction of a special disability logo on the national identity card, the issuance of disability certificates, broadened access to social protection programmes and strengthened rehabilitation and community support systems as steps toward creating a society where everyone has the chance to contribute.
He stressed that a truly inclusive society depends on accessible public services and infrastructure.
“Removing physical and societal barriers, as well as negative attitudes that restrict independent and productive lives for persons with disabilities, is a shared responsibility,” President Zardari said.
The President’s Secretariat quoted him as saying that Pakistan must strive for a country where no one is left behind and where persons with disabilities are valued as essential contributors to collective resilience. He added that the idea of inclusion must be reflected in daily actions, concluding with a prayer for a more inclusive and accessible Pakistan.
In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that protecting the fundamental rights of every citizen—especially persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups—remains one of the government’s key priorities.
He stated that the government recognizes the importance of safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities and continues to take concrete steps in that direction.
PM Shehbaz said that the Constitution ensures equal rights and participation for all citizens, and that persons with disabilities form a vital part of Pakistan’s social and cultural structure. Physical limitations, he said, do not diminish a person’s intellectual potential or their rights.
The prime minister noted that the day is being observed across the world, including in Pakistan, with a strong commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of life.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” he said the government is taking effective steps to build a more compassionate, supportive and inclusive environment for persons with disabilities.
He explained that disability rights laws at both federal and provincial levels offer necessary legal protections and form the basis for registration, assistance and other essential services.
He added that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Council and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) are actively engaged in monitoring rights and strengthening government policy.
The prime minister further highlighted initiatives such as regular medical assessments, issuance of disability certificates, provision of assistive devices, skills development programmes, capacity-building trainings, job quotas and efforts to ensure accessibility in workplaces as evidence of the government’s commitment.
He said the government is determined to guarantee the inclusion of persons with disabilities at every level of national activity.
Many of the government’s promises, he noted, have been translated into action, particularly in education, healthcare, employment and overall social engagement. However, he acknowledged that further measures are still needed to fully address the concerns and representation of persons with disabilities.
PM Shehbaz praised the efforts of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Council and the Ministry of Human Rights, noting that both are working actively to strengthen protections and services.
He said that the treatment of persons with disabilities is a measure of how effective and fair a society’s systems are, and serves as a reminder to keep improving policies and strategies.
Calling on provincial governments, private institutions, civil society, educators and all segments of society, he urged collective action toward creating an environment where persons with disabilities can use their abilities to the fullest and participate as active members of society.
He stressed that every citizen deserves dignity, respect and equal treatment, free from discrimination.
“Let us renew our pledge today to make even more collaborative and effective efforts for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, so that we can completely fulfill our responsibilities in this regard,” he added.